Practical Advice Scented With Scriptural Logic
- Category: Reviews
- Date 16-03-2017
- 415 views
Book Title: Where There Is A Will; God Does Not Have Favourites
Size: 148 pages.
Author: Venansio Ahabwe
Publisher: Xlibris Publication Date: May 2016
Available: Uganda museum, Aristoc
Reviewer: Ronald Madaya
Where There Is A WIll is clearly a unique self- help book.
The writer, Venansio Ahabwe, does not just give hypothetical situations. His autobiographical point of view gives the book a distinct perspective and a practical appeal that makes it much easier to identify with.
The book is about the most discussed, yet elusive subject of success. Renowned authors including Dale Carnegie, Napoleon Hill and Gordon Wavamunno have all written books about success.
What sets Ahabwe’s book apart is that it is localised to the Ugandan and African setting without losing the universal view that success can be attained
by everyone who dares to exert themselves.
Ahabwe points out clearly that success is not reserved for particular individuals or communities but, rather, it is possible for all people of all walks of life. The mention of God on the book cover introduces the religious undertone that runs almost throughout the book. In the introduction,
Ahabwe states, “I have since noted that all principles of success are imbued in the Bible”, a position he upholds by quoting extensively from the Bible – the world’s bestselling book.
The 148-page book presents different principles of success in separate, yet coordinated chapters, each of which discusses an element that is a building block for success in life. Whereas the chapters look independent, they are not disjointed as you would typically expect to find in such a style.
Ahabwe’s style is remarkable. The book is set against a backdrop of a child born and bred in the typical African village.
His struggles and eventual success in education lend a lot of credence to some of the key themes – hard work and planning – as basic requirements for one to achieve success.
The main characters, Sebo and Nyabo, who happen to be his parents, also embody the very philosophies advanced in this book.
This is perhaps the quality of his book that places it closest to the African setting, with Nyabo using rudimentary tools to set up family gardens as well as herbs and other native methods to cure illnesses.
At the same time, Nyabo is described as a deeply spiritual person who “... was very successful in her own right: a mother of 14, a provider of all key family meals, a family counsellor, and the overall intercessor who never missed prayer”.
Ahabwe also says, “Above all, Nyabo was very rich in faith and offered ceaseless prayers for me.” This clearly shows that the writer has regarded faith very highly right from childhood.
He points out that success is very much a spiritual matter as it is physical, and that for it to manifest physically, it first must manifest spiritually. In this book, religious wisdom bounces off the pages in each chapter, enriched with scriptural citations.
On Sebo’s side, he had a deep craving for a life similar to that of the white men: “...he always worked very hard and attracted the attention of the priests. They were impressed and, in due course, brought him closer and assigned him extra tasks...Sebo was a man who wanted to succeed in life and achieved success, step by step.”
While his classmates clamoured to return home after being baptized, Sebo was hell-bent on working harder to have a better life. It is not surprising to learn that Sebo is among the first people to own a car in the village, much to the envy of his peers.
At another level, Ahabwe promotes defiance as he glorifies and advocates such controversial issues like risk-taking and never giving up, in addition to age-old principles such as positive thinking and going an extra mile.
The book teems with raw wisdom that everyone needs in life; after all, we all need a little inspiration every once in a while. As a reader, I found the last chapter of the book most attractive; so, I cannot end this review without talking about it.
It is titled: Pray To Fortify Your Confidence. Confidence is a vital building block of success. Success cannot come to those who are timid and ready to ‘coil their tails between their legs’ in the face of adversity. Ahabwe suggests that prayer taps into one’s inner potential and ability and, as such, gives the belief that one will make it.
That, for me, is priceless!
The author uses simple and straightforward language, making the book readable for all levels of learning and yet maintaining the intellectual edge.
This book is good for everyone in need of inspiration, from students looking to pass examinations to entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses.
rmadaya@yahoo.com
Ronald Madaya teaches English Language and Literature at Kololo SS, Kampala.
Source: The Observer